OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

AUGUST 1978

Vol. 21, No. 8 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

^Detvi '^Kingdom ^-Pub&sk/tS:

The “Victorious Faith” International Conventions are under way! From the preliminary figures, it is apparent that many from the United States of America have been or will be visiting in other countries. For example, close to 1,500 are going to the Caribbean, and about as many to Europe. Over 3,700 made plans to go to Hawaii. Nearly 100 are going to Africa, and as many to South America. So far, about 1,200 will be going to either Mexico or Central America. Some 150 or more are scheduled to go to the Orient.

Tours to Israel have been continuing since April and on into the summer. From preliminary estimates it appears that upwards of 15,000 planned to go to Israel, with over 700 traveling from the United States and thousands from Europe. In addition to arranging a very-educational tour throughout this Bible land, the brothers in Israel arranged special meetings for the benefit of their guests.

Thousands have already come from around the world to attend conventions in this country. Many of these are missionaries or others in the full-time service who have been able to return to their home country for a visit because of your generous contributions, and they wish to thank you for your kindness.

Brother F. W. Franz visited Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines in May and June. Special talks were arranged to give encouragement according to the need. In Japan, branch facilities will be expanded on a large tract of land that was purchased. The faith of our brothers in Korea and Taiwan is being severely tested because of their separateness from the world. Fine increases are taking place in Hong Kong and Japan.

We send Christian greetings to all of you.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office

• ¹ It was a command from Jehovah that his worshipers in ancient times should come before him with rejoicing. (Deut. 12:18) Why should they not rejoice and praise Jehovah in view of his rich blessings upon them?—Ps. 20:5.

• ² We too have many occasions for rejoicing before Jehovah. Consider the joy that is ours in connection with large and small assemblies, in addition to the joyous refreshment of regular weekly meetings in the congregation. Daily we can rejoice because Jehovah has provided abundantly for our spiritual needs. We have the joyous hope of everlasting life by means of his Son, Jesus Christ.

« Appreciating these gifts from God, we are moved to speak to others about him, and this increases our joy even more, since “ ‘there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’ ”•—Acts 20:35.

INCREASING OUR JOY IN FIELD SERVICE

• ⁴ But does opposition cause your joy to diminish? Does indifference, or not finding people at home discourage you? Perhaps you tend to

  ' Now Is the Especially Acceptable Time"!

  
  

• ¹ Yes, NOW is the time! Time for what? Time for sheeplike persons to be accepted into Jehovah’s favor. The door is still open! The hearts of people are still being turned toward Jehovah in the time yet remaining. And Jehovah, in effect, has said to them: “ ‘In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.' Look! Now is the especially acceptable time. Look! Now is the day of salvation.”—2 Cor. 6:2.

• ² How should God’s patience affect us? It should move us to do our utmost while God’s “day of salvation” continues. Jesus said: “We must work the works of him that sent me while it is day.” (John 9:4) So we must work while we are still “in an acceptable time” for God to hear people. Paul asks: “How . . . will they hear without someone to preach?”—Rom. 10:14.

APPRECIATE THE "ACCEPTABLE TIME"

• ³ How many more opportunities be shy. Your personality may be such that it is not natural for you to approach strangers readily, even when you really want to talk about things that are dear to your heart. How can you experience the same joy that others find in preaching the good news?

⁵ First, remember that joy is a fruit of the spirit. It must be cultivated. Although Jehovah has promised to help you by his spirit, you must put forth effort to get the blessing. He wants you to have the joy that comes in knowing you have his favor. Our joy may be reflected in a happy countenance, but really it means much more than that—our having that deep inner feeling of well-being that comes from pleasing Jehovah in all our worship and service.

⁸ Consider the lives of Jesus and the early Christians. They had many hardships and sometimes painful experiences, but they had joy in abundance. For example, the apostles were taken into custody, scolded for preaching the good news and then flogged. What was their attitude? Read Acts 5:41, (Continued on page 4, col. 3) will your relatives, workmates, children and neighbors have to hear, as Jehovah’s “acceptable time” runs out? Paul said: “‘Today if you people listen to his own voice, do not harden your hearts. . . ” (Heb. 3:15) While these words were directed to Hebrew Christians, they should also have meaning to those now needing to hear the good news. Tomorrow may be too late for some. So we must continue to search from door to door for those whom Jehovah will yet accept and draw to himself. Jehovah, in this “day of salvation,” is still allowing time for that.

⁴ What about people in our territory who were not at home or were busy when we called? As long as Jehovah’s “day of salvation” continues, there will be further opportunity for some of these to have Jehovah’s favor. Yes, working “not at homes” and making (Continued on page 4, col. 1}

WEEK STARTING JULY 30

12 min: Song 102. Discuss highlights of Branch Letter. Announcements from page 3 and local announcements.

20 min: Enjoyable Theocratic Family Projects.

(2 mln:) Talk. What does your family do together that is enjoyable and relaxing, yet wholesome and beneficial? Could be damaging spiritually just to let things happen, with no planning, each one seeking out own diversion. Isn’t it true, too often family ends up in front of TV? Children enjoy projects where there is parental guidance but not total domination. This permits initiative, creativeness. Project should fit age of child. Should not be allowed to get out of hand, become too expensive, time consuming.

(16 min:) Audience discussion. Why could projects, such as the following, be good for families? (1) Father goes over songs for Sunday’s Watchtower study, helping children get full import. All sing. (2) Galatians 5:22, 23 read at breakfast table. One child prints name of “fruit” selected on card. Father has children watch for opportunities to show that fruitage throughout the day. At evening meal all give experience. Repeat each day or each week covering nine “fruits.” (3) Using map, a country is selected on which to report. Children take turns telling of brothers there, customs, obstacles to witnessing, ratio of publishers. (4) Family arrange trips to museum, zoo, planetarium, park, and so forth. Relate things seen to Bible, (5) Children make scrapbook from pictures in back Issues of study copies of The Watchtower, If these are available. Learn to explain pictures to parents. (6) Select various features of “sign” of “time of the end.” Children collect news items as proof and store in labeled boxes. (7) Family shares project to help with future trade or homemaking, such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, auto repair, cooking, dressmaking, and so forth.

(2 mln:) Summarize by highlighting importance of doing wholesome things together as a family.—Ps. 127:3-5.

23 min: Talk, with some audience discussion, on article “Joy Comes in Talking About Jehovah.” Use 10 minutes to discuss and demonstrate how suggested Topic for Conversation might be used effectively in presenting offer of older books as outlined under Announcements. Also mention alternative offer of any pocket-size book for contribution of 35c. Song 101 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 6

12 min: Song 70. Theocratic News, including brief comments on local accomplishments. Local announcements.

30 min: This time is allotted for use in reviewing highlights of International convention, if congregation attended one in July or first part of August. Otherwise, time can be devoted to discussing local needs of congregation, 18 min: “Now Is the Especially Acceptable Time” I Audience discussion of article on page 1. Conclude by encouraging all to share in the service arrangements over the weekend. Song 66 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 13

18 mln: Song 52. Family discusses article “Circuit Assemblies Supply What We Need.” Father discusses with family what they have done to apply what they learned from past program, thus building anticipation for coming pro-Theocratic School: becoming more effective in using Bible to give a witness; participating regularly in field service; attending all meetings and commenting; fellowshiping more, before and after meetings, and so forth. (May suggest other goals that represent points needing attention in your congregation. )

20 min: Audience discussion on need for endurance, using following references: Heb. 10:36: 12:1-3; 2 Pet. 1:5-8: Jas. 1:2-4, 12; Luke 21:19. Song 63 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 27

18 min: Song 79, Field overseer reviews with audience service arrangements of congregation: weekend; midweek ; evening. May wish to get comments from audience to see if arrangements might be better supported if adjusted. Discuss benefits of supporting group arrangements; also, what arrangements the elders and ministerial servants have made to give loving assistance to those who need some help in becoming better proclaimers of the good news. Include local announcements.

25 min: Problems Children Face in School. If possible, assign to mature father getting good results with children.

(5 min:) Talk. In starting to school soon, our children will be spending many hours each day In the presence of worldly children. This sometimes brings problems, temptations. How can we parents, elders and others help them to face these successfully? How can children fortify themselves spiritually?

(17 min:) Elder interviews group made up of two families with school-age children. (Rehearse ahead of time. If another problem prevails in your area, may substitute.) (1) When schoolmates ridicule us as Jehovah’s Witnesses, what should we do? Is this persecution? How would recalling Jesus’ words at Matthew 5:10-12 help? How are we protected by letting students know that we are one of Jeho-vah’s Witnesses right from the start? What may help ridiculers to have more respect for us? Are we losing anything if we don't gain friendship of ridiculers? (Prov. 17:17) How will ridiculers react if they see they are provoking us? If they see it doesn’t bother us? What could it lead to if we give in when ridiculed? What outcome does the Bible foretell for ridiculers? (2 Pet. 3:3, 7) (2) Use of drugs and tobacco. Is it a problem where you attend school ? Why would other children want to get you started on drugs? Could we give any Bible principles that would be violated by the use of drugs, including tobacco? (2 Cor. 7:1; Matt. 22:39; 1 Pet. 1:13; Mark 15:23) So how would God feel abou,t one of his servants taking drugs or smoking? (3) Maintaining neutrality. What is done in your school that tests a Christianas neutrality? What is the strongest reason you can think of to remain neutral? (Ex. 20:4, 5; John 17:16; 18:36)

(3 mln:) Conclude with brief exhortation for youth to remain faithful. Jehovah will help them and reward them for their faithfulness, just as he also holds them responsible for their conduct.—Eccl. 11:9, 10.

17 min: “Presenting the Good News —With the Youth Book in September.” Demonstrate suggested presentations for offering the Youth book. Discuss how these can be adapted to your territory. Song 51 and prayer.

• ¹ Do you find that assemblies I are like theocratic milestones? It is always good to look forward to them and the benefits they bring. They fill a special need for God’s people. Do you recall how you were especially benefited by the last circuit assembly program? Perhaps you were impressed by the suggestions given on the theme, “Do All Things for the Sake of the Good News,” and resolved to increase your opportunities to share the good news with others. And, do you remember the counsel and demonstrations on keeping the spirit of the world out of the congregation? And what our conduct should be like in attending assemblies? Were you more alert to the need to set a good example in conduct at the international assembly you attended?

• ² Another circuit assembly program has been arranged to meet

  Ann o un cemen ts

  
  

0 Literature offer for August: Three books for 70c. Should include two 384-or 416-page books and one pocket-size book. The following older books may be used in this offer: “Your Will Be Done on Earth” (other than latest printing: see below); Life Everlasting —in Freedom of the Sons of God; “Then Is Finished the Mystery of God”; “The Nations Shall Know that I Am Jehovah”—How?; Paradise Restored to Mankind—By Theocracy!; God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached; Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Handl; Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?; God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good and Is the Bible Really the Word of God? The Society has a supply of the Man’s Salvation, Know Jehovah and “Eternal Purpose” books that can be ordered. Alternative offer, any pocket-size book for 35c. Offer for September: Youth book for 35c; Great Teacher book or other pocket-size book may be offered where circumstances make it more appropriate.

O The 384- and 416-page books mentioned above may be obtained by publishers for use in the special offer in August for 15c each. Congregations may request 30c credit for each of these books. (Pioneers may obtain them at the regular rate.) For details, see Announcements in January 1978 Our Kingdom Service.

0 Additional copies of the October 8 Awake! and the October 15 Watchtower, which will be special issues, should be ordered early to insure delivery. It is suggested that they be ordered by the end of August.

• A year’s supply of forms for use by the congregation will be sent to the congregation’s secretary early in August, including a sheet of instructions on properly using and ordering these in the future. Pioneer report cards should not be ordered as they will be sent to the secretary according to the number of pioneers.

Literature Inventory forms will be included with the July statement. The secretary can alert those handling lit-special needs, and this will begin in September. You will not want to miss it. Its theme is: “ ‘Rendering Sacred Service’ with Loyalty.” What are some program features? Instead of the regular Theocratic School, there will be discussions on how the school has benefited Jehovah’s people, and how we can get the most out of it. Also, there will be interviews with those who have served Jehovah loyally for many years. A special part for young folks will give suggestions on how they can show their loyalty and devotion today. There are particular pressures and problems with which we are all faced today, and you will find the suggestions given on the program of much value in coping with these. Be sure to attend all sessions of your next circuit assembly in order to receive the special benefits in store for you.

erature, magazines and accounts as to what will be required by the end of August so that the report can be completed and the original mailed to the Society no later than September 6.

0 Two slips (S-10) for reporting the congregation’s activity for the past service year were mailed in July and should be completed by the secretary. The original should be returned to the Society with the September monthly report, and the duplicate copy retained for the congregation’s files.

• Old monthly report cards for congregations and pioneers should be used up before beginning to use the revised ones. At the bottom, the words ‘‘presiding overseer” can be changed to ‘‘secretary,” since the latter will now be signing the card.

• The Society now has a supply of the question booklet for the book' Is the Bible Really the Word of God? available in Grade-2 English Braille. A free copy may be obtained by submitting a written request to the Society. Attention: Braille Desk. This booklet is not to be stocked by the congregation.

• The Society has produced a limited reprinting of the book “Your Will Be Done on Earth” on a better grade of paper. This edition of the book should not be used in any offers at the reduced rate for older books.

• Beginning September 3, all circuit overseers will be presenting a slide program entitled “A Close Look at the Churches.” District overseers will be giving the talk ‘‘Meeting the Test of Christian Loyalty.”

0 New Publications Available:

Holy Bible —Tagalog (Prices: Pioneer, $1.50; Congregation, $2.40; Public, $2.50.)

Nexv World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Large print edition)

—Portuguese Listening to the Great Teacher

—Hungarian Bible Topics for Discussion

—German, Spanish Is There a God Who Cares?

—Norwegian, Polish

Adjustment Affecting Rotation of Elders

As announced at the international conventions this summer, there will be a further adjustment in the congregation arrangement for elders. Starting with the 1979 service year (September 1, 1978), rotation will take place only with respect to the position of presiding overseer. There will be no rotation with regard to the positions of field overseer and Bible study overseer.

This means that, for the present, elders who are currently serving as field overseer and Bible study overseer will continue in these positions until further notice. Details will be provided in the near future regarding the arrangement for each body of elders to select and recommend certain elders to serve continuously in caring for various matters.

As to rotating into the position of presiding overseer in September 1978, it may well be that the person next in line to serve as presiding overseer, no matter what position he holds now, can continue to serve in his present capacity temporarily and also serve as presiding overseer. If an elder feels he is not in a position to serve as presiding overseer due to health or other reasons, then the next one in line will be given the opportunity.

So, at their meeting in the first part of September, the body of elders should determine who should rotate into the position of presiding overseer, but all other elders should remain in their present positions, awaiting further direction. Such direction will be given in due time, so it will not be necessary to write or phone the Society about this matter.

MAY SERVICE REPORT

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. R.V. Bi.St. Mags.

Sp’l Pios.       636 130.3 44.3 4.5

Pios.         13,699  89.2 31.4 3.4

Aux. Pios.   21,897  60.2 16.0 1.3

Pubs.       489,765   8.9  3.1  .4

TOTAL 525,997

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 1,977

MEMORIAL REPORT 1973

Total Attendance 1,264,420 1,270,172

Number of Partakers 4,308

Schedule for the congregation book studies in Word of God book: August 6: Pages 82 to 89 August 13: Pages 90 to 97¹ August 20: Pages 97 to 102 August 27: Pages 103 to 109¹

With the "Youth" Book in September

• ¹ The Bible indicates that the “last days” would have an adverse effect on the family unit. (2 Tim. 3:1-4; Rev. 12:12) Even theocratic families often find it a real challenge to bring up children in the faith, isn’t that so? We can be sure that many families in the world are floundering and in need of help. No doubt thousands will appreciate the help extended to them during September as we offer the book Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It.

• ² Often young people answer the door when we call. Many in their teens appreciate it when we engage them in a conversation. And when we treat them with respect, not “talking down” to them, they often respond favorably. You might say: “I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to you because I would like to get the viewpoint of a younger person. God said something in the Bible that is especially directed to young people like yourself. [Read Ecclesiastes 12:1,] It shows that we must remember God in our youth if we want a happy future. Do you feel that a young person should be interested in God, our Creator? Does this have anything to do with our being happy? [Allow for response.] Let me show you a comment made in this book.” Turn to page 191, paragraph 15 and read the first two sentences. Then turn back to the table of contents and point out a few' of the subjects on which young ones want frank comments and help. Offer Youth book for 35c. This suggested presentation may work for you, or you may have another that you prefer to use.

• ³ Some publishers have had good success by offering the Youth book to young folks as they go to and 'Now Is the Acceptable Time'! (Cont’d) a concerted effort to search out every deserving one are still highly important.—Matt- 10:11.

USE INFORMAL witnessing

• ⁵ Are you alert to opportunities to witness informally? It is having something in common with. a person that often provides just the opportunity for “a word spoken at the right time.” (Prov. 25:11) It may be easy to start a conversation with a neighbor, workmate or relative and then turn it toward the truth. For many, vacation time is an especially good time for informal witnessing. We may visit from school. It could be done much the same as magazine street work by displaying the book and speaking to passersby. Also, teachers and administrative personnel at schools can be approached. Of course, children in school have many opportunities to witness to fellow students and teachers. For example, a young witness at school in the Dominican Republic left a copy of the Youth book on his desk, which excited the interest of students and teachers as they would see it. The result? He placed 75 Youth books in two months.

• ⁴ What if grown-ups or even elderly persons come to the door? Most people have children, nieces, nephews or grandchildren who mean a great deal to them. In addition to suggesting that they may wish to read the book themselves, we could tactfully suggest that they obtain it as a gift for young relatives.

• ⁵ In addition, carry a Great Teacher book with you during September and offer it where small children are involved. There may be cases when you may wish to offer the Youth book and the Great Teacher book in combination for 70c, such' as when there are very young children and those in their teens in the home. Our desire is to help people of all ages, and the literature is a means to this end. So during September you may feel free to use any pocket-size publication that you feel would be most beneficial to the householder. But, wherever possible, let us help young people and families to counteract the influence of Satan the Devil on family life. It has been proven that the information in the Youth book, when applied, can do just that. Let it help you to present the good news in September.

loved ones whom we see no other time of the year. A few ‘words at the right time’ could bring a favorable response.

• ⁶ Let us not forget the silent witness we give. Yes, our conduct at all times should adorn the truth, recommending it to others. After discussing Jehovah’s “acceptable time,” Paul’s next words were: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling . . . but in every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers.” (2 Cor. 6:3, 4) May Jehovah bless our efforts to help others see that NOW is the “especially acceptable time” for'.salvation!

  THEOCRATIC NEWS

  
  

A number of congregations had a fine response to the auxiliary pioneer service during the spring months. For example, the Bradley Beach, New Jersey, Congregation, with 133 publishers associated, had 62 auxiliary pioneers in April. Their circuit overseer reports that the elders and ministerial servants organized meetings for service throughout each day and in the evenings so that all would have companionship, and all enjoyed a happy month in Jehovah's service.

During March, Togo reported a new peak of 2,660 publishers. This is a fine report from this small West African conn-try.

Despite continued turmoil in the land, Cyprus reported a new peak in March of 878 publishers.

V February saw the third time this service year that Luxembourg reached a new peak in publishers, with 859 reporting. Home Bible studies also reached a new peak, with 573 being conducted.

+ The African country of Mali reached a new peak, with 35 publishers reporting. Congregation publishers averaged 21.5 hours and conducted 55 home Bible studies.

At Watchtower Farms, 111 of the 630 members of the family shared in the auxiliary pioneer work in April, The family rejoiced that so many of their number could enjoy this privilege.

Joy in Talking About Jehovah (Cotlf’d) 42. When Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, likely some were apprehensive, but they “returned with joy” and related their experiences.—Luke 10:17.

• ⁷ Such joy can be yours also when you succeed in getting someone to listen to your presentation of the good news. If someone agrees to study the Bible with you, or responds to your invitation to attend Christian meetings, your heart will indeed rejoice. The apostle Paul expressed his joy in those he had helped in spite of much difficulty and under the most trying circumstances.—1 Thess. 2:9. 19, 20.

^a Yes, joy does indeed come from talking about Jehovah. The planting, watering and cultivating of the seeds of truth may require much effort on your part, but the good results that come from talking about Jehovah are bound to bring you joy.—Ps. 126:5, 6.

“ topic for conversation

Is there any future for the upright? —Prov. 2:21, 22.

• 1. Upright receive blessings now and in the future.

• 2. God promises to destroy wicked.

4

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To subheading.